Interface module for a unit of an antenna distribution system, and antenna distribution system

ABSTRACT

A distributed antenna system includes at least one master unit communicatively coupled to at least one base station and a plurality of remote units located remotely from the at least one master unit. The plurality of remote units are communicatively coupled to the master unit over at least one transport communication link. The system is configured to distribute uplink and downlink signals between a base station and mobile units. A digital unit generates digital samples indicative of spectrum included in at least one of the uplink and downlink signals. A network interface communicates with an external computer. The digital unit is configured to process the digital samples and communicate information indicative of the spectrum to the external computer via the network interface.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This Application is a Continuation Application of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 14/138,934, filed Dec. 23, 2013, entitled INTERFACEMODULE FOR A UNIT OF AN ANTENNA DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM, AND ANTENNADISTRIBUTION SYSTEM, which is a Continuation Application of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 13/094,486, filed Apr. 26, 2011, entitled“INTERFACE MODULE FOR UNIT OF AN ANTENNA DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM, ANDANTENNA DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM”, now issued U.S. Pat. No. 8,619,839, issuedDec. 31, 2013, which, in turn, claims priority to German PatentApplication No. DE 10 2010 018 492.6 entitled “Interface Module for Unitof an Antenna Distribution System, and Antenna Distribution System”,filed on Apr. 27, 2010, which applications and Patent are incorporatedherein by reference in their entireties.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to an interface module for a unit which isdesigned to transmit and/or amplify communication signals inside anantenna distribution system. The invention also relates to an antennadistribution system having at least one master unit and a number ofremote units which are connected to the master unit.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

In this case, the invention deals with the problem of ensuring adequateradio communication on so-called essential, non-public communicationchannels which are enabled for train radio or commercial radio, thedisaster control action forces, the rescue service action forces, thepolice, fire brigades, emergency doctors and other ancillary workers andmust not be used for public radio communication. It also deals with theentire operational mobile radio of applications with particular securitytasks in industry, local public transport, authorities, airports and themilitary.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 schematically shows a remote unit having an interface module fortransmitting essential communication signals.

FIG. 2 shows an antenna distribution system having a number of remoteunits.

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute apart of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention and,together with a general description of the invention given below, serveto explain the principles of the invention. It should be understood thatthe appended drawings are not necessarily to scale, presenting asomewhat simplified representation of various features illustrative ofthe basic principles of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMOBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

Amplitude modulation is generally used to transmit information on theessential communication channels in the VHF range; frequency modulationis optionally used. Phase modulation (πr/4-DQPSK, π/8-D8PSK or CQPSK)and quadrature amplitude modulation (4-QAM, 16-QAM or 64-QAM) are alsoused in more modern digital trunked radio systems (e.g. TerrestrialTrunked Radio TETRA, TETRAPOL, P25). Only a narrow channel bandwidth isrequired on account of the small modulation swing and the lowtransmission rates. The simplex, duplex or semi-duplex operating modesare used for bidirectional communication. Only one band of the essentialcommunication signal is used in the simplex mode. Information isinterchanged alternately and with a time delay. A defined lower band anda defined upper band are alternately used in the duplex mode. Alternatecommunication can take place at the same time. In this case, so-calledrelay stations are used to set up communication. In this case, mobileunits and fixed stations transmit in the lower band and receive in theupper band. The relay stations themselves which increase the rangereceive the calls in the lower band and retransmit them in the upperband. The calls are therefore separated between an uplink direction(towards a base station) and a downlink direction (towards a mobileterminal) by means of frequency separation.

During a disaster situation, a rescue operation or in the case ofaccidents in the air, in the water or on land, there is a need for rapidand undisturbed communication between all action forces involved as faras possible. Radio communication between the action forces which isrequired at the location is already restricted by virtue of the factthat different units, for example fire brigade, police and disastercontrol, interchange information on different communication channelsusing different transmission methods. In addition, the communicationtechnologies and transmission frequencies provided for emergencies arenot optimized for the technical possibilities of contemporary modernmobile radio networks. It is true that the action forces can communicatewith one another in situ over relatively long distances at thefrequencies of the essential communication signals of below 700 MHzwhich are enabled for emergencies. However, the repeater technologypossibly present for modern mobile radio networks inside closedbuildings, vehicles or tunnels cannot be optimally used to transmit theessential communication signals on account of the long wavelengths andon account of the relatively simple radio transmission methods providedfor emergencies. Modern mobile radio networks communicate in thegigahertz range. Complex modulation methods are used to code thesignals. In addition to frequency separation, the time-divisionduplexing (TDD) method, in particular, is used to separate uplink anddownlink communication, but the time constants are orders of magnitudesmaller than those used in the simplex mode inside an essentialcommunication channel.

Whereas, on the one hand, the transmission of essential communicationchannels imposes low demands on the bandwidth, a very large dynamicrange must be ensured and a high degree of isolation between uplink anddownlink communication must be implemented, on the other hand. Onaccount of the long wavelengths of essential communication signals,separation from one another and isolation between the uplink anddownlink directions with the aid of channel-selective analog filtersrequire a considerable amount of technical effort which is sometimesassociated with huge costs.

Considerations relating to how adequate communication can be ensured onessential communication channels between action forces from differentunits or using a modern network architecture to transmit information bymeans of radio are known, for example, from US 2004/0070515 A1, US2005/0260983 A1 or US 2008/01711527 A1. The transmission of sampledradio-frequency signals in distributed antenna systems is known, forexample, from U.S. Pat. No. 5,852,651.

The object of the invention is to provide a technical solution whichenables adequate communication between action forces on essentialcommunication channels using a modern radio network architecture. Inthis case, the advantages known from a modern radio network architectureare also intended to be provided for communication on essentialcommunication channels.

The stated object is achieved, according to the invention, by aninterface module for a unit which is designed to transmit and/or amplifycommunication signals inside an antenna distribution system, theinterface module comprising a first analog interface for forwarding andreceiving communication signals from mobile terminals, a secondinterface for forwarding communication signals from the antennadistribution system in a digital or analog manner and for receiving saidsignals, at least one signal path for forwarding the receivedcommunication signals between the two interfaces, and a controllabledigital unit which incorporates the signal path and has means fordigitizing incoming communication signals and for subjecting outgoingcommunication signals to analog conversion. In this case, the digitalunit is designed to identify essential communication signals in thedigitized communication signals, to mask the remaining signals and toforward the selected essential communication signals.

In this case, essential communication signals between different remoteunits, an optionally connected base station or an optionally connectedfurther network are controlled and/or converted by means of a centralinterface module in the master unit. In this case, it should be statedthat interchange between individual branches of the distribution networkis envisaged only in digital form. In this sense, a remote unit and amaster unit are units of the antenna distribution system.

In other words, the invention provides an interface module for equippingone or more remote units and a master unit, as are known for a modernantenna distribution system of a mobile radio network. Such a remoteunit or a plurality of such remote units is/are used to ensure adequatecommunication with mobile terminals via radio, in particular in a radioshadow, inside closed buildings, in tunnels, in trains, in stations, instadiums etc. In this case, a master unit connected to a base station ofthe respective radio network is located in the vicinity of the tunnel,the building or generally the locality in shadow and transmitscommunication signals between the base station and the remote unitswhich are arranged inside the building or generally in the radio shadow.The remote units transmit the communication signals received, ifappropriate in amplified form, and receive communication signals frommobile terminals, which signals are finally supplied in the uplinkdirection to the base station via the master unit. The remote units areusually also referred to as relay stations. This radio networkarchitecture has the advantage that it is possible to centrally controlthe remote units via the master unit. The master unit and the basestation may be connected in a wired or wireless manner. The remote unitsthemselves are coupled to the master unit in a wired or optical manner,for example. However, the remote units may also be advantageously in theform of so-called off-air repeaters which are connected to the masterunit via radio. The radio network architecture described also comprisesa plurality of master units which are for their part in turn connectedto a multiplicity of remote units. It is pointed out that a so-called“direct mode”, that is to say a direct connection between two mobileterminals, is not possible in public mobile radio networks.

The invention is now based, in particular, on the consideration of usinga remote unit to transmit and incorporate essential communicationsignals in the given mobile radio network. In particular, the intentionis also to allow bidirectional communication on essential communicationchannels via one or more remote units using the given technology. Themaster unit or each master unit is likewise intended to be designed toreceive, forward and distribute the essential communication signals inan appropriate manner.

In this case, the invention proposes an interface module, in which casethe intention is to largely dispense with analog separation means suchas duplexers or analog filters in order to separate the essentialcommunication signals from one another and to adequately isolate theuplink and downlink directions from one another. On account of the longwavelengths of the essential communication signals, such a refinementfor separating the narrowband channels requires an enormous amount ofspace and is additionally associated with high costs. Rather, theinvention goes down the road of implementing a digital unit in thetransmission or signal path of the antenna distribution system forcommunicating with a mobile terminal, which digital unit first of alldigitizes the incoming signals in order to then demodulate them intobaseband. This is achieved by providing an appropriately equippedinterface module.

In this case, a high dynamic response which is required for theessential communication signals can be achieved, in particular, by meansof narrowband digital oversampling with subsequent digital downconversion. It should be stated that there is no need to decrypt theusually encrypted baseband data in the case of digital modulation. Thetime delay or time requirement associated with this scheme, which isknown as “decode and forward”, cannot be tolerated in conventionalmobile radio networks but plays only a subordinate role in thecommunication signals of the essential services, which communicationsignals are usually alternately operated. In this respect, sufficienttime for adequately scanning the incoming communication signals and forcorresponding identification at the digital level and for separating theremaining communication signals which are not required for the essentialinterface module remains for the digital unit within the givencommunication sequence. In particular, the digital unit can identify thefrequencies, the type of modulation of the transmission signals and thetransmission method used and can thus distinguish essentialcommunication signals from one another and from the remainingcommunication signals. In one preferred refinement, the digital unit inone or more remote units is instructed to select, forward or convert toanother band or another frequency via a central master unit.

The interface module is designed, in particular, in such a manner thatit ensures the information interchange of the essential communicationsignals in a manner detached from the remaining communication signals ofthe mobile radio network. In this respect, it is preferably thought ofas an additional module of an existing remote unit, but it is possibleto resort to its existing computer or software architecture, inparticular. In this respect, the digital unit described here need not bein the form of a separate digital unit, in particular. Rather, it may befully implemented by an already existing digital unit provided fortransmitting the communication signals of the mobile radio network in aTDD or FDD architecture. The functions and properties required for thepresent invention can then be implemented by appropriately programmingthe given computer or processor architecture.

In the simplest case, the signal path of the interface module isprovided by a signal line which connects the two interfaces to oneanother. Such a signal line would possibly be sufficient for a simplexmode of the uplink and downlink signals but does not provide adequatepossibilities for concomitantly including further essentialcommunication signals from other transmission methods such as duplex orsemi-duplex. For this reason, the signal path is expediently dividedinto a plurality of separate signal paths for the uplink direction and aplurality of separate signal paths for the downlink direction. The twocommunication directions are then separated according to the two givensignal lines by means of a time-division duplexing (TDD) or afrequency-division duplexing (FDD) method.

The proposed architecture of the interface module also makes it possibleto transmit the essential communication signals received to the masterunit or to one or more remote units, in particular also in coded form,with a frequency offset or processed further in another manner. Acorresponding control computer connected to the remote unit or to themaster unit is then able to identify the essential communication signalsreceived from a specific remote unit and to instruct the forwardingand/or conversion in the same remote unit or in another remote unit.Furthermore, the master unit optionally has the possibility of injectingthese signals into a fixed a network, for example. Conversely, themaster unit in the downlink direction can pre-process the transmissionof essential communication signals in a corresponding manner again andcan specifically instruct the respective remote unit. The remote unitcan also, in particular, identify the signals intended for it usingaddressing. The digital unit can be designed and enabled for thecorresponding actions using appropriate control commands. In the uplinkdirection, it is preferred for the essential communication signal whichhas been separated off to be combined again with the other informationto be transmitted, intermodulation effects being prevented by means ofan adequate frequency offset of the separated signals. In this case, theconnecting line between the master unit and the remote unit is in theform of a common signal line for transmitting the entire datainterchange. In particular, an optical waveguide is provided for thispurpose. An appropriately configured coaxial line or a two-wire line forelectrical signals is also possible.

In another refinement which is not illustrated here, it is alsoconceivable to connect a plurality of “off-air repeaters” via a radiomodem.

In a further preferred refinement, the digital unit is designed todetect characteristic signal parameters of the essential communicationsignals identified and to likewise forward said signal parameters viathe signal path. The transmission of such signal parameters allows auser to determine, for example, what type of essential communicationsignals are interchanged, how often such communication takes place orelse from which remote unit the transmitted essential communicationsignal originates. In particular, this allows the transmitting mobileterminal to be located by detecting and forwarding the received signalstrength and/or a detected propagation time. The type of transmissionmethod for the essential communication signal can also be identified andthe digital unit can be adapted in an automated manner using the masterunit, if necessary. The interface module is then designed to establishcommunication in the respective essential communication band using thecorresponding transmission method. The digital unit is particularlypreferably designed to change over between different transmissionmethods of the essential communication methods, in particular between asimplex method, a duplex method or a semi-duplex method.

In particular, when forwarding the characteristic signal parameters suchas signal strength, rate, frequency band and/or transmission method ortype of communication of the essential communication signals identified,a respective conversion of the corresponding communication signals toother essential communication channels may be induced, thus making itpossible for the action forces from different units to communicate withone another. In this case, the interface module is preferably designedin such a manner that the digital unit enables conversion to differentfrequency bands and ensures transmission of the essential communicationsignals at different frequencies using different transmission methods.

In principle, digitization at a sufficient sampling rate in accordancewith known sampling methods is possible. In this case, modulation or adigital coding method may also be used, in principle, to improve thetransmission rate. However, for reasons of cost and on account of theprincipal purpose pursued here, it is not sufficient to design thedigital unit to digitize the communication signals in the baseband.

The digital unit is advantageously designed to delay and/or interruptthe forwarding of the essential communication signals in the directionof the first analog interface in a controllable manner. The refinementparticularly refers to the design of standing waves in buildings, trainor road tunnels or stadiums, which occur, in particular, in the case ofthe long-wave communication signals of the essential communicationchannels. Such a situation is, in particular, a consequence of theinterference which occurs in the overlapping region of the radiationradii of a plurality of remote units placed in such localities. In thiscase, the resultant spatial interference patterns depend greatly on therespective wavelength used. As a result of the possibility of delayingthe downlink traffic of a remote unit for essential communicationsignals, it is now possible to actively intervene in the shape of theresultant interference pattern. This operation which is known as asingle-frequency network makes it possible to reduce radio holes formobile receivers by deliberately delaying the emission of acorrespondingly located remote unit, for example. Since all remote unitstransmit in phase, destructive interference is avoided. Alternatively, aremote unit can also be muted in the downlink direction

In a further preferred refinement, the digital unit is designed tointerrupt the forwarding of the essential communication signals in thedirection of the second interface in a controllable manner. In thiscase, reference is made, in particular, to the fact that, if there are aplurality of remote units, the transmitted essential communicationsignals have a better signal-to-noise ratio if the information with theweakest signal is not used overall to form the communication signal. Inthis respect and on the basis of signal strength detection, the masterunit can mute that remote unit which has the weakest signal with respectto the receiving side in the uplink direction in an automated manner orin an externally controlled manner. This method which is known as“uplink muting” makes it possible to produce an overall bettertransmission quality for the essential communication signals.

In the opposite direction, the transmission of noise can be suppressedby means of a short-circuit switch in the DL path downstream of theamplifier if the latter is idling. This is very advantageous, inparticular, in the semi-duplex mode during the uplink time or in thecase of the direct mode in which there is no need for a relay on accountof the level ratios.

In addition to this or in an independent manner, the digital unit of theinterface module is preferably designed to feed the incoming essentialcommunication signals back in the direction of the first analoginterface. In other words, a remote unit is thereby designed for directcommunication, in which case information or the essential communicationsignals identified is/are transmitted or not transmitted to the masterunit or to one or more remote units in a controlled manner. Theessential communication signals received are reflected to a certainextent at the digital unit and are again applied to the first analogradio transmission interface in amplified form and, if appropriate, witha time delay or frequency offset for transmission. This direct modeallows radio communication between the action forces to be improved insitu. In particular, the reception signal which has been “reflectedback” can be modified by the digital unit in such a manner that it canalso be received and processed by the mobile terminals belonging to theaction forces from other units. In this case, the remote unit controlledin this manner acts, to a certain extent, as a relay station whichimproves the range and transmission strength of the essentialcommunication signals between the mobile terminals and, in particular,between the mobile action forces from different units, with the resultthat the coordination possibilities in situ are considerably increased.

The digital unit is expediently designed for controllable frequencyconversion between the frequency bands of essential communicationsignals. As already described above, this allows communication to beestablished between mobile terminals belonging to the action forces fromdifferent units. In this case, the digital unit is preferablyadditionally also designed to take into account the respectively usedtransmission method of the corresponding essential communicationchannels.

In order to allow central forwarding, control and monitoring ofinformation interchange, the interface module includes a communicationunit. In this case, a central control computer which is connected to themaster unit, for example, is responsible for central control. Thiscommunication unit may be an integrated part of the digital unit.However, if a digital unit which is already implemented in an existingremote unit is used, for example, to perform the functions describedabove, it is advisable to provide a separate communication unit in theinterface module, which communication unit ensures or controls datainterchange between the master unit and the digital unit. The interfacemodule likewise needs to be provided in order to connect the controlcomputer to the master unit, which interface module then converselyreceives and pre-processes the control data and transmits the latter tothe interface module in the remote unit via the existing connection. Inthis case, data can be interchanged, for example, using known andsuitable networks such as LAN or Ethernet. Such a digital data networkalso makes it possible, for example, to allocate each remote unit itsown address inside the network. The respective digital unit or therespective remote unit can then be directly addressed via this address.The information transmitted between two or more remote units and/or themaster unit is also uniquely identified via the address.

For this purpose, the communication unit is preferably connected to thesignal path for the purpose of coupling the information and control datato the communication signal. In other words, data interchange withregard to the information relating to the essential communicationsignals detected and with regard to the control data for the digitalunit is applied to the signal transmitted between the remote units or tothe signal transmitted to the master unit. A central control computerwhich is connected, in particular, to the master unit is then able toidentify the transmitted data inside the digital data network and todivert said data to the desired remote units via the master unit. In thecase of more complex switching tasks, the central driving of the digitalunits of the remote units can then also be transferred to this computer.For this purpose, the current status as well as further informationrelating to the type and rate of communication on essentialcommunication channels can also be interrogated and displayed. However,the central control computer may also be part of the master unit itselfwhich is then correspondingly intelligent.

In order to separate remaining communication signals from the essentialcommunication signals to be separated, at least one analog filter unitfor separating the frequency bands of incoming and outgoing analogessential communication signals is preferably included. Such an analogfilter unit already makes it possible to mask, for example, the highfrequencies of the communication signals of the mobile radio network.This also makes it possible to eliminate interference signals, inparticular.

The stated object is also achieved, according to the invention, by meansof an antenna distribution system having at least one master unit and anumber of remote units which are connected to the master unit and areassociated with an interface module of the type described above or areequipped with such an interface module, the master unit being designedto selectively drive the digital units of the remote units and toreceive and forward the essential communication signals.

Further advantageous refinements of this are found in the subclaimswhich are directed to an antenna distribution system. The advantagesmentioned for the interface module can be analogously applied to theantenna distribution system in this case. In order to achieve theobjects mentioned, the master unit is preferably associated with anumber of interface modules of the type described above whichcommunicate with a number of allocated remote units or the interfacemodules of the latter.

A central control computer is preferably connected to one of theinterface modules. Said computer may be externally arranged or may formpart of the master unit. The control computer is designed to coordinatethe distribution of the essential communication signals inside thedistribution network, to evaluate the characteristic signal parametersand to drive the digital units in accordance with the signal parameters.This makes it possible to drive the remote units in an automated mannerwithin certain limits. For example, the digital units may be driven toappropriately treat the essential communication signals rushing through,as far as the type of transmission method used is concerned. Forexample, essential communication can thereby be established using thesimplex, duplex or semi-duplex method, depending on the essentialcommunication signal received.

Means may likewise also already be provided in the master unit for thepurpose of locating the mobile terminal transmitting the essentialcommunication signals on the basis of the signal strengths and/orpropagation time of the essential communication signals received fromthe remote units. However, this may likewise be allocated to the centralcontrol computer.

In order to establish communication between different essentialcommunication bands, the central control computer is also preferablydesigned to drive the digital units for the purpose of frequencyconversion between the frequency bands and/or a propagation time delayof essential communication signals.

FIG. 1 schematically illustrates a remote unit 1, as is part of anantenna distribution system of a mobile radio network. In this case, theremote unit 1 is used to enable radio communication between mobileterminals inside buildings, tunnels, vehicles, train stations, stadiumsetc. and a base station arranged outside the given locality. A masterunit 2 is provided in this case, which master unit is arranged in thevicinity of the given premises or locality and is connected to the basestation. The master unit 2 is connected to a number of the remote units1 illustrated via corresponding connecting lines (optical, electrical)or via radio. The remote units 1 transmit and receive communicationsignals and establish the actual radio link to the mobile terminals.

In addition to further units (not illustrated here) for ensuringcommunication between the master unit 2 and the mobile terminals insidethe mobile radio network, the remote unit 1 comprises an interfacemodule 4 which enables communication on essential communication channelsto be incorporated in the existing radio network architecture.

For this purpose, the interface module 4 has a first interface 6 foranalog data interchange with mobile terminals and a second interface 7for analog and/or digital data interchange between the remote unit 1,the master unit 2 and further remote units. In other words, the remoteunit 1 can be connected either to the master unit 2 or to further remoteunits 1 via the second interface 7. In the latter case, the remote units1 are connected in series with one another or in star via correspondingsplitters, for example. FIG. 1 indicates such a constellation by thereference symbol 1 in brackets. Between the two interfaces 6 and 7, theinterface module 4 also comprises a signal path 9 in the downlinkdirection and a signal path 10 in the uplink direction. Signals receivedby the first analog interface 6 are passed, via the signal path 10, tothe second interface 7 and, from there, are passed on to the master unit2 or to one or more further remote units. Signals received by the masterunit 2 or by one or more remote units at the second interface 7 arepassed along the signal path 9 in the direction of the first analoginterface 6 and, from there, are transmitted to mobile terminals byradio. In order to receive and transmit radio signals, the first analoginterface 6 is connected to a corresponding antenna unit which is notgraphically illustrated in the present case.

A digital unit 11 is incorporated in the downlink signal path 9 and inthe uplink signal path 10, which digital unit primarily has the task ofdigitizing incoming communication signals, extracting essentialcommunication signals therefrom or masking remaining communicationsignals, forwarding the essential communication signals and subjectingthem to analog conversion again before transmission to the analoginterfaces 6. Following conversion, the essential communication signalsat the interface 7 can be forwarded to one or more remote units 1 or tothe master unit 2 in an analog or digital manner.

A so-called analog crossband coupler 12 which separates communicationchannels of the mobile radio network from essential communicationchannels is connected upstream of the interface module 4. The crossbandcoupler 12 may be part of the remote unit 1 or the interface module 4.Since the mobile channels are widely separated from the essentialchannels, the demands imposed on the configuration of this analog filterare low.

The interface module 4 also has a communication unit 13 associated withthe digital unit 11. The communication unit 13 is designed to furtherprocess data pre-processed by the digital unit 11, if necessary, and tosupply said data to the master unit 2 or to further remote units via thesecond interface 7. The communication unit 13 is likewise designed toreceive control data from the master unit 2 via the second interface 7and to forward said control data to the digital unit 11 for the purposeof driving.

The digital unit 11 is decisively provided by a digital circuit 17which, in the present case, is in the form of a programmable integratedcircuit (FPGA=Field Programmable Gate Array). The functions to beperformed for the purpose of pre-processing the digital data of theessential communication signals are implemented in this digital circuit17 and can be retrieved in a controllable manner. Digital converterunits 15 which transform incoming communication signals in the basebandare located both in the uplink signal path 10 and in the downlink signalpath 9. According to the embodiment illustrated, further digitalconverter units 16 are arranged between the second interface 7 and thedigital unit 11. These digital converter units 16 are required only whenanalog signals are intended to be transported inside the distributionsystem. The digital unit 11 is designed to identify the essentialcommunication signals from the digitized communication signals, tofurther process said essential communication signals, if necessary, andto forward them in a corresponding manner in the uplink or downlinkdirection. The remaining communication signals are masked and are nolonger taken into account any further by the interface module 4. Thefrequency and the transmission method of the essential communicationsignals are used to identify the latter. In particular, bands enabledfor essential communication are arranged in a frequency space of below700 MHz. Furthermore, the type of modulation of the communicationsignals received can be used for identification. For example, manyessential communication signals are subjected to amplitude modulation ina simple manner. Frequency modulation is provided, if necessary. Thetype of clocking, a simplex, a duplex or a semi-duplex mode is alsotaken into account by the digital unit 11 and is used to identify theessential communication signals.

The essential communication signals digitally identified in the digitalunit 11 can also be directly accepted and forwarded by the communicationunit 13. For this purpose, said signals may also be modulated in orderto increase the transmission rate; in particular, phase or QAMmodulation may be carried out.

The first analog interface 6 is also associated with a pre-filter unit18. This pre-filter unit 18 has the task of coarsely filtering thefrequency bands of essential communication signals in the uplink anddownlink directions. Depending on the transmission method, pre-filteringmay be implemented as a filter in the frequency domain (FDD) or as aswitch in the time domain (TDD). Since the bands of essentialcommunication channels are still at a sufficient distance from oneanother, a moderate analog frequency filter suffices in the frequencydomain. After pre-filtering, the interface module 4 operates with twoseparate transmission directions independently of the duplexing method.For this purpose, a separate signal path 9 is formed in the downlinkdirection and a separate signal path 10 is formed in the uplinkdirection, respectively. In this case, the number of downlink paths 9′,9″ and uplink paths 10′, 10″ depends on the number of essentialfrequency bands and/or their duplexing methods which are intended to besupported. Two FDD bands are illustrated by way of example in theexemplary embodiment.

The essential communication signals within the pre-filtered frequencybands are analogously identified in an extremely complicated manner, asalready stated. The channels allocated to essential communicationsometimes have only a bandwidth in the kHz range. The digital unit 11which takes into account the digitized communication signals thereforeundertakes this actual identification.

A coupling-in unit or a coupling-out/in unit 19 is respectivelyimplemented in the uplink signal path 10 and in the downlink signal path9 between the first interface 6 and the digital unit 11. Via thesecoupling-in/out units 19, the communication unit 13, on the one hand,receives control data from the master unit 2 and, on the other hand,applies signal parameters from the digital unit 11 to the transmittedsignal in the uplink direction. The digital baseband data can also becoupled in and out via the coupling-out/in unit 19. This is preferablyeffected via a higher-order digital modulation method, for example QAM.

In order to amplify the received signals and the signals to betransmitted, a number of amplifier units 20 are located between thedigital unit 11 and the first analog interface 6. On account of thenarrow bandwidth of the essential communication signals and since thelatter are already in the form of digital baseband data, digitalpre-distortion using a DPD amplifier 20′ can be used to amplify thesignal to be transmitted. This makes it possible to considerably reduceundesirable spurious transmissions, which takes into account theextremely high dynamic response requirements in adjacent bands.

The second interface 7 is associated with an electro-optical transducer21 which is used to combine all of the signals in the uplink directionand to apply them to a common optical waveguide 23. The remote unit 1 isconnected to the master unit 2 and optionally to further remote unitsvia the optical waveguide 23. In order to separate the received signals,a corresponding electro-optical transducer 22 there converts incomingoptical signals into corresponding electrical signals again. Conversely,electrical signals are converted into optical signals at theelectro-optical transducer 22 of the master unit 2 in the downlinkdirection and are transmitted, via the optical waveguide 23, to theelectro-optical transducer 21 of the remote unit 1 or further remoteunits. There, incoming optical signals are converted into correspondingelectrical signals and are applied to the downlink signal path 9. Thecommunication unit 13 obtains control data and possibly the digitalbaseband data for the digital unit 11 from said signals via thecoupling-in/out unit 19. An interface 25 of a digital network, inparticular Ethernet, is implemented for this purpose. Data areconversely also interchanged between the digital units 11 of differentremote units and the master unit 2 via this interface 25.

The digital unit 11 and the communication unit 13 are designed to apply,in particular, signal strength and propagation time information, thetype of the essential communication signal and an address of thecorresponding remote units 1, 1′, . . . to the common transmissionsignal and to transmit the latter to the master unit 2. Conversely, thecommunication unit 13 is designed to receive digital baseband data andcontrol data from the master unit 2 and to drive the digital unit 11 ina corresponding manner. In this case, provision is made, for example, todrive the digital unit 11 to a time delay in the downlink direction inorder to advantageously change negative interference effects whentransmitting the essential communication signals via a plurality ofremote units. The communication unit 13 can also be used to drive thedigital unit 11 to switch the remote unit 1 to a direct communicationmode. In this case, essential communication signals received from thefirst analog interface 6 are sent back to the same analog interface 6,in amplified form, if appropriate with a frequency offset or in a formconverted into another communication technology, for retransmission. Asa result, the correspondingly driven remote unit 1 becomes a relaystation which improves radio communication on essential communicationchannels in situ and allows, in particular, communication to be set upbetween different units which use different essential transmissionmethods. Two interrupters are also connected downstream of theamplifiers 20 in the uplink direction. Said interrupters are driven bythe communication unit and prevent noise from being transmitted duringidling.

The communication unit 13 does not necessarily communicate via thesecond interface 7. In particular, communication with the communicationunit 13 can also be effected via a direct digital interface 25′ to adigital network such as Ethernet. A control computer may be directlyconnected to this interface. In other words, a local control center maybe formed in situ by connection to the interface 25′ in order to quicklyobtain a control possibility via the different essential communicationchannels in the event of a disaster etc., the architecture of theexisting mobile radio communication network being used.

In addition, communication with the master unit 2 can also be preferablyeffected via radio. On account of the low information density of thedata to be transmitted, the second interface 7 may also be in the formof a radio interface to a WLAN network.

The mobile radio communication signals are separated from the essentialsignals at the crossband coupler 12. The mobile radio communicationsignals pass through the remote unit 1 actually intended for themwithout being influenced by the interface module 4. As indicated in FIG.1, all transmission signals, that is to say those of the mobile networkand those of the essential transmission channels, digital and analogsignals may now be combined at the second interface 7 and can beforwarded to the master unit 2 or to further remote units via the commontransmission line, the optical waveguide 23 in this case. Conversely,that is to say in the downlink direction, the corresponding incomingsignals are then separated there. However, the interface module 4 maylikewise be equipped with a separate second interface 7 via which onlythe digital and/or analog signals from the essential communicationchannels or from the communication unit 13 run.

The interface module 4 may be an integral part of the remote unit 1 orof a master unit 2. However, it may also be in the form of a separateadditional module which is connected to the remote unit 1 or to themaster unit 2 via the corresponding lines. In the present case, it isconnected to the second interface 7 and to the crossband coupler 12.

FIG. 2 schematically illustrates an antenna distribution system 29, asis used to set up communication inside closed rooms, tunnels, vehicles,stadiums or generally in a radio shadow. To this end, the antennadistribution system 29 comprises a base station 30 which is connected toa master unit 2 in a wired manner or by radio. The master unit 2 isarranged outside the given locality and interchanges data with remoteunits 1, 1′, 1″ arranged inside the locality. In this case, interchangeis effected via a respective common optical waveguide. Inside the givenlocality, a mobile terminal 32 and the respective remote units 1, 1′, 1″communicate by radio.

The master unit 2 has a plurality of electro-optical couplers 22, asalready described with respect to FIG. 1, in order to connect remoteunits 1, 1′, 1″. Two remote units 1, 1(2) are connected in series, tworemote units 1′, 1′(2) are connected in star and one remote unit 1″ onits own are connected to these electro-optical couplers 22 in FIG. 2from the top down. All of the remote units 1, 1′, 1″ are connected tothe master unit 2 via optical waveguides. Optical splitters 35 arerespectively provided for the purpose of separating the signals from andto the individual remote units 1, 1′, 1″.

The antenna distribution system 29 shown makes it possible to set upradio communication of adequate quality in localities which aredifficult to reach from the outside by radio. The remote units 1, 1′, 1″shown in FIG. 2 are all equipped with an interface module 4corresponding to FIG. 1. In this case, uplink communication isrespectively effected via the second interface 7 at which all of thetransmission signals are combined or separated and are jointlytransmitted via an optical waveguide. Incoming communication signals arecorrespondingly separated in the electro-optical couplers 22 of themaster unit 2. In particular, the communication signals of the mobileradio network are separated and are subjected to the conventionalfurther processing, transmission, amplification, etc. The transmissionsignals of the respective interface modules 4 from the remote units 1,1′, 1″ are separated. Corresponding interface modules 4, 4′, 4″ whichare associated with the electro-optical couplers 22, 22′, 22″ and areconstructed according to FIG. 1 are respectively provided in the masterunit 2 for the purpose of further processing and forwarding theseessential transmission signals. Communication with a central controlcomputer 34 then takes place via respective local LAN interfaces 33,33′, 33″ associated with the communication units 13. In this case,digital baseband data, including an IP address of the respective remoteunits 1, 1′, 1″, are interchanged, in particular. The control computer34 may have a fixed network connection, in particular.

An antenna distribution system 29 configured in this manner makes itpossible to use the advantages of a modern network architecture totransmit essential communication signals.

While the present invention has been illustrated by the description ofthe embodiments thereof, and while the embodiments have been describedin considerable detail, it is not the intention of the applicant torestrict or in any way limit the scope of the appended claims to suchdetail. Additional advantages and modifications will readily appear tothose skilled in the art. Therefore, the invention in its broaderaspects is not limited to the specific details representative apparatusand method, and illustrative examples shown and described. Accordingly,departures may be made from such details without departure from thespirit or scope of applicant's general inventive concept.

LIST OF REFERENCE SYMBOLS

-   1 Remote unit-   2 Master unit-   4 Interface module-   6 First analogue interface-   7 Second analogue interface-   9 Signal path-   10 Signal path-   11 Digital unit-   12 Crossband coupler-   13 Communication unit-   15 Digital converter units-   16 Digital converter units-   17 Digital circuit (FPGA)-   18 Pre-filter unit-   19 Coupling-in/out unit-   20 Amplifier unit-   20′ DPD amplifier-   21 Electro-optical coupler-   22 Electro-optical coupler-   23 Optical waveguide-   25 Interface-   25′ Interface-   29 Antenna distribution system-   30 Base station-   32 Mobile terminal-   33 Local LAN connection-   34 Central control computer with/without a fixed network connection-   35 Optical splitter

What is claimed is:
 1. A distributed antenna system comprising: at leastone master unit communicatively coupled to at least one base station;and a plurality of remote units located remotely from the at least onemaster unit, wherein each of the plurality of remote units iscommunicatively coupled to the master unit over at least one transportcommunication link; the system configured to distribute a first signal,received from the at least one base station, from the master unit to atleast one remote unit in analog form, wherein the at least one remoteunit radiates a second signal derived from the first signal from atleast one antenna associated with the at least one remote unit; adigital unit to generate digital samples indicative of spectrum includedin the first signal; a network interface for communicating with anexternal computer; the digital unit configured to process the digitalsamples and communicate information indicative of the spectrum to theexternal computer via the network interface.
 2. The system of claim 1,wherein the digital unit is configured to generate digital samplesindicative of multiple frequency bands included in the first signal, andthe digital unit being configured to process the digital samples andcommunicate information indicative of the multiple frequency bands tothe external computer via the network interface.
 3. The system of claim1, wherein the digital unit is configured to process the digital samplesand determine modulation information regarding the first signal, andfurther configured to communicate the modulation information to theexternal computer via the network interface.
 4. The system of claim 1,wherein the digital unit is configured to process the digital samplesand determine clocking information regarding the first signal, andfurther configured to communicate the clocking information to theexternal computer via the network interface.
 5. The system of claim 2,wherein the digital unit is configured to evaluate the digital samplesand to select a particular frequency band from the multiple frequencybands included in the first signal, and the digital unit beingconfigured to process the digital samples of the particular frequencyband separately from the digital signals of other of the multiplefrequency bands.
 6. The system of claim 1, wherein the digital unit isconfigured to process the digital samples and determine signal strengthinformation regarding the first signal including, and further configuredto communicate the signal strength information to the external computervia the network interface.
 7. The system of claim 1, wherein the digitalunit is configured to process the digital samples and determinepropagation time information regarding the first signal including, andfurther configured to communicate the propagation time information tothe external computer via the network interface.
 8. The system of claim1, wherein the transport communication link is a wireless link.
 9. Thesystem of claim 1, the digital unit configured to receive control dataassociated with the first signal via the network interface.
 10. Adistributed antenna system comprising: at least one master unitcommunicatively coupled to at least one base station; and a plurality ofremote units located remotely from the at least one master unit, whereineach of the plurality of remote units is communicatively coupled to themaster unit over at least one transport communication link; the systemconfigured to distribute a first signal, received from at least onemobile unit, from at least one remote unit to the at least one masterunit in analog form, wherein the at least one master unit forwards asecond signal derived from the first signal to the at least one basestation; a digital unit to generate digital samples indicative ofspectrum included in the first signal; a network interface forcommunicating with an external computer; the digital unit configured toprocess the digital samples and communicate information indicative ofthe spectrum to the external computer via the network interface.
 11. Thesystem of claim 10, wherein the digital unit is configured to generatedigital samples indicative of multiple frequency bands included in thefirst signal, wherein digital unit is configured to process the digitalsamples and communicate information indicative of the multiple frequencybands to the external computer via the network interface.
 12. The systemof claim 10, wherein the digital unit is configured to process thedigital samples and determine modulation information regarding the firstsignal, and further configured to communicate the modulation informationto the external computer via the network interface.
 13. The system ofclaim 10, wherein the digital unit is configured to process the digitalsamples and determine clocking information regarding the first signal,and further configured to communicate the clocking information to theexternal computer via the network interface.
 14. The system of claim 11,wherein the digital unit is configured to evaluate the digital samplesand to select a particular frequency band from the multiple frequencybands included in the first signal, and the digital unit beingconfigured to process the digital samples of the particular frequencyband separately from the digital signals of other of the multiplefrequency bands.
 15. The system of claim 10, wherein the digital unit isconfigured to process the digital samples and determine signal strengthinformation regarding the first signal including, and further configuredto communicate the signal strength information to the external computervia the network interface.
 16. The system of claim 10, wherein thedigital unit is configured to process the digital samples and determinepropagation time information regarding the first signal including, andfurther configured to communicate the propagation time information tothe external computer via the network interface.
 17. The system of claim10, wherein the transport communication link is a wireless link.
 18. Thesystem of claim 10, the digital unit configured to receive control dataassociated with the first signal via the network interface.